Lawyers want media, public kept out during James Holmes' jury selection

Lawyers involved in the Colorado movie theater shooter trial asked a judge to bar the media and public from attending the jury selection.

The request to keep people out until the final step was made before Arapahoe County District Judge Carlos Samour Jr., who said he wouldn't rule right away, but didn't mention when he would come to a decision, reports NBC News. He did note that he expected a public challenge would likely be filed if he did grant the request.

The selection process will likely take a long time as each lawyer grills potential jurors, but there isn't a huge rush as the trial as the shooter, James Holmes, previously allowed his right to a speedy trial waived. The current hope is to have the trial begin in October.

Dan King, Holmes' public defender, said that "it would be difficult to get honest answers" on issues such as mental health and the death penalty if people were watching. He argued potential jurors "should not have to answer these questions before a world stage."

According to The Associated Press, Holmes is accused of murdering 12 people and injuring 70 others in a Colorado movie theater in 2012.

He has been charged with murder and attempted murder and prosecutors are asking for the death penalty. Homes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.